Depression may up risk of multiple chronic diseases: Study
PTI, May 31, 2019, 4:59 PM IST
Melbourne : Women who experience symptoms of depression are at increased risk of developing multiple chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer, a study has found.
The research, published in the journal Health Psychology, suggests that depression and chronic diseases share a similar genetic or biological pathway.
“We looked at how women progress in the development of these chronic diseases before and after the onset of depressive symptoms,” Xu said.
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health followed healthy, middle-aged women with no previous diagnosis of depression or chronic illness over 20 years.
The study found 43.2 per cent of women experienced elevated symptoms of depression and just under half the cohort reported they were diagnosed or taking treatment for depression.
Women from the depressed group were 1.8 times more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions before they first experienced depressive symptoms. “Experiencing depressive symptoms appeared to amplify the risk of chronic illness,” Xu said.
After women started experiencing these symptoms, they were 2.4 times more likely to suffer from multiple chronic conditions compared to women without depressive symptoms. “Inflammation in the body has been linked to the development of both depression and chronic physical diseases,” he said.
“Chronic diseases, like diabetes and hypertension, are also commonly associated with depression,” Xu said. These findings help strengthen healthcare professionals understanding of mental and physical health.
“Healthcare professionals need to know that clinical and sub-clinical depression (elevated depressive symptoms) can be linked to other chronic physical conditions,” he said.
When treating patients for these symptoms, healthcare professionals must realise these people are at risk of developing further chronic illness, researchers said.
Women with both conditions were more likely to come from low-income households, be overweight and inactive, smoke tobacco and drink alcohol.
“Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and reducing harmful behaviours could help prevent and slow the progression of multiple chronic diseases,” Xu said.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Exposure to outdoor artificial light at night may increase risk of stroke, study finds
Group of oncologists launch free-of-cost second opinion helpline number for cancer patients
Dogs understand more than they let on, create mental images of known words: Study
Caution advised as diarrhoea cases rise with onset of summer
Bharat Biotech begins clinical trials of TB vaccine on adults in India
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
RCB batting coach McKenzie backs Maxwell to come out of lean run
AAP using court for its political drama, repackaging old allegations: BJP
Sometimes I wonder if IPL is even cricket: Ashwin
JD(S) Hassan candidate Prajwal Revanna has assets worth Rs 40.85 cr
Congress MP D K Suresh has assets worth Rs 593 crore, a 75 per cent increase in 5 years